Michael J Cunningham
Michael Joseph Cunningham, 92, died peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025 at Avera Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls, SD. His memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation with the family will begin at 9:00 AM prior to his service. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Avera Dougherty Hospice House. Michael Joseph Cunningham was born on August 8, 1933 in Montrose, SD to Andrew and Bertha (Olson) Cunningham. When Michael was 11 years old his family moved to Sioux Falls, SD. He attended Catholic schools in Sioux Falls and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1951. In 1955, Michael joined the U.S. Navy from which he was honorably discharged. Following his service in the Navy, Michael enlisted in the South Dakota Air National Guard where he honorably served for the next 24 years, retiring from service in 1987.
In 1959 Michael met, Ila Mae Schemmel, in Sioux Falls, SD. The couple were united in marriage on October 4, 1960 at the Cathedral of St Joseph in Sioux Falls. Michael and Ila made their home in Sioux Falls and were blessed with four children - Jayne, Steven, Thomas and Joan. Michael was employed for a short number of years at John Morrell and Company. In 1961 he began his 31year career with the Sioux Falls District Office of the United States Postal Service. For much of his career Michael worked on the Operations team where he held various positions and supervisory roles related to all aspects of delivery operations and logistics. He was a valued employee by those he worked with and retired from USPS in 1992.
Michael had a passion for baseball and enjoyed coaching his sons’ little league baseball teams for many years. He attended many of the games his son Thomas played with the Sioux Falls Blackbirds. He also enjoyed fishing, shooting pool, playing card games with family, especially Pinochle, and supporting Catholic education. He was a member of the Sioux Falls Center for Active Generations and The Moose Lodge.
Michael was a loving husband of 53 years, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, patriot and friend who will be deeply missed. Grateful for having shared his life are four children, Jayne Katherine Adams, Sioux Falls, SD; Steven Michael Cunningham, Portsmouth, VA; Thomas Allen Cunningham, deceased; and Joan Marie Rederth, Sioux Falls, SD. He was also blessed with five grandchildren, Eric (Taylor) Rederth, Brenna Cunningham, Lynell Cunningham, Audrey Adams and Elisabeth Adams; one great-grandson, Logan Rederth; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Ila Mae Cunningham who passed on November, 7 2013; son Thomas Allen Cunningham on November 25, 2013; his parents and fifteen siblings.